ears.

"No, mother, I would not! But send every one from the room so that we may
talk together," she whispered.

Mrs. Force gave the order, and Luce, the colored woman, dropped a
bridesmaid's dress that she was unpacking, and went out, followed by all
the others, leaving the mother and daughter alone together.

"No, mother, dear, your secret is as safe with me as with the dead; for I
seem dead. I must tell Le myself that I wish to break with him to marry
Col. Anglesea; and that is true so far as it goes, because I do wish to
marry him to save you and my dear father and my little sisters from evils
much greater than my marriage with Col. Anglesea could bring me. I need
not tell Le why, but simply that I do. Le will believe that I am false to
him. And that will be true also, for I am false to him, no matter what my
excuse may be! And it will be best for him to believe it; for it will help
him to get over any disappointment he may feel now, or any remaining
affection for me. That is the reason why I myself must be the one to tell
him."

"Oh, Odalite! Oh, my dear! Can you do so?"

"Yes, I can compel myself to do so. And now, mother, I must get up and see
Le, without delay. No! do not try to prevent me! I am strong enough in
mind and body! I was only overcome for the moment by the sudden coming of
Le so full of hope and joy, and the knowing what a shock of disappointment
was in store for him. That was all. I am stronger now."

So saying, the girl arose from the bed, stood up and took hold of her
long, black hair, which had fallen down. She walked to the dressing bureau
and secured the roll with pins, and then proceeded to smooth the folds of
her disordered dress.

When all this was done she left the room.

"Odalite! Odalite! where are you going, my child?"

"To my interview with Le! Don't hinder me, mother, dear! I can go through
the ordeal now! I am nerved for it. I may not be able to meet the trial on
another day, or even in another hour," said the girl, looking back for a
minute, and then closing the door and passing downstairs.

Mrs. Force threw herself back in her easy chair, covered her face with
both hands, and moaned.

Meanwhile Odalite went downstairs, opened the front door, and passed out
upon the porch, on which the winter sun was shining, and through which a
fresh breeze was blowing.

She was immediately followed by Luce, who had seen her leave the hall, and
who now came out, bearing the girl's coat